100-year-old temple restrooms to become national heritage

Three centuries-old temple restrooms, known as 'Haewoo-so', places for relieving worries, are poised to be recognized as national heritage sites in South Korea. The Cultural Heritage Administration announced its intention to designate the 'Cheokgan' at Suncheon Seonam Temple, the 'Haewoo-so' at Yeongwol Bodeok Temple, and the 'Gukilam Haewoo-so' at Hapcheon Haeinsa Temple's Gukilam Hermitage as National Folklore Cultural Heritage.

These structures are significant not only for their age, with some dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but also for their architectural distinctiveness and preservation. The Haewoo-so at Bodeok Temple was built in 1882, Gukilam Haewoo-so in 1910, and the Seonam Temple restroom's origins trace back to before the 1920s, with records of repairs in 1928. They have maintained their original appearance and function for over a century, a rarity given the rapid disappearance of traditional temple restrooms nationwide.

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The three restroom buildings at temples, which look like pavilions from the outside but have only partitions inside, will be designated as national heritage for the first time.

Architecturally, all three buildings feature a unique design utilizing sloped terrain, appearing as single-story structures from the front and multi-story pavilions from the rear. They incorporate open layouts with waist-high partitions and slatted windows at eye level, offering views while maintaining privacy. This design reflects traditional temple restroom architecture and incorporates a sustainable practice of composting waste with rice husks and fallen leaves for fertilizer, demonstrating ancient wisdom in resource recycling.

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The Haewoo-so at Bodeok Temple was built in 1882, the Gukilam Haewoo-so at Haeinsa Temple in 1910, and the Seonam Temple restroom's origins trace back to before the 1920s, with records of repairs in 1928. They have maintained their original appearance and function for over a century, a rarity given the rapid disappearance of traditional temple restrooms nationwide.

The designation signifies a broader recognition of cultural heritage, extending beyond traditional religious spaces like Buddhist halls and pagodas to include spaces that embody the daily life and spiritual practices of monastic communities. The Cultural Heritage Administration emphasized that this move illuminates the cultural significance embedded in these everyday spaces within temples.

Following a 30-day public notice period for feedback, the final designation will be confirmed after review by the National Heritage Committee. This initiative underscores the value placed on preserving tangible links to Korea's cultural and spiritual past.

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The designation broadens the scope of national heritage to include spaces that embody the living culture and practices of 수행공동체 (monastic communities), not just the religious spaces like Buddhist halls or pagodas.